Maria C. Garcia, an award-winning journalist with more than 30 years of experience in the newspaper industry, has been named executive director for communications at the University of Miami’s School of Law. She will join the University on March 3.

Garcia will help develop and implement a comprehensive, unified communication strategy for the law school. She will also play a key role in media relations and on focusing the message of the law school in print, electronic, and video communications as the school continues to expand its faculty, clinics, joint degree offerings, and LL.M. programs.

“Maria comes to us with an extensive range of leadership skills and abilities, as well as a wealth of knowledge about South Florida,” said Patricia D. White, dean of the School of Law. “She will be a terrific leader for our communications team.”

Garcia has been a reporter and editor during her extensive career. In her most recent position, she served for six years as deputy metro editor for the Palm Beach Post. For most of her career, Garcia worked at The Miami Herald in various capacities, from lifestyles editor to managing editor of El Nuevo Herald to features writer. She was part of the Herald staff that won the 1993 Pulitzer Prize for Meritorious Public Service for its coverage of Hurricane Andrew and its aftermath. Garcia received her B.A. degree in communications from the University of South Florida.

Frank J. Millero

Frank J. Millero, professor of marine and atmospheric chemistry at the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, has been elected a fellow of the American Academy for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). A fellow is defined as “a member whose efforts on behalf of the advancement of science or its applications are scientifically or socially distinguished.”

A thought leader in the application of physical chemistry to natural waters, Millero has helped to define this field of endeavor for the last four decades. His scientific output is notable for its depth and quality. Millero’s earliest and most widely cited works include those that feature the measurement and parameterization of molar volumes and compressibility of electrolytes, and the equation of state for seawater. His research on the carbonate system in the world’s oceans has contributed to our understanding of changes in the global flux of CO2 across the air-sea interface and the oceanic uptake of this greenhouse gas.

His publications span the physical chemistry of natural systems work on molar volumes and compressibility to thermochemical measurements; physical and chemical properties of water and seawater; models of ionic interactions and physical properties of electrolytes; effects of pressure on ionic equilibria; kinetics; bacteria interactions with metals and surfaces; and particle-metal interactions. He has published more than 413 articles in refereed journals, 32 book chapters, five books, and numerous reports and abstracts. Particularly noteworthy publications include his three editions of Chemical Oceanography (1991, 1996, and 2006) and his book Physical Chemistry of Natural Waters (2000).

Millero has been recognized with numerous awards and honors, such as Sigma Xi Professor of the Year (1989), the ONR Ocean Educator Award (1990), University of Miami Distinguished Faculty Scholar Award (1996), University of Miami Provost Award for Scholarly Activity (1998-1999), and the American Chemistry Society Geochemistry Division Medal (2001).

Donald Spivey

Donald Spivey, professor of history and Cooper Fellow in the University of Miami’s College of Arts and Sciences, has been appointed to the search committee for historian of the U.S. House of Representatives. The committee convenes in Washington, D.C. in March.

The University of Miami announced today that John R. Shipley has been named vice president of finance and treasurer.  He replaces Diane Cook, who is retiring after 30 years of extraordinary service to the University.

Shipley has more than 25 years of financial, operational, and managerial experience with Purdue University. He is currently Purdue’s comptroller.

“John comes from a university with a large research enterprise that, like the University of Miami, has operations spread over multiple campuses,” said Joe Natoli, the Senior Vice President of Business and Finance and CFO. “Purdue is renowned for the quality of its business operations and its people. He will be a terrific addition to the University’s management team.”

At Purdue, Shipley is responsible for the University’s accounting and finance functions, risk management and financial systems support group. He is a member of Purdue’s Investment Committee, which manages $1.8 billion in endowment funds and $900 million in operating cash.

“I am truly excited to be joining the University of Miami, a top-tier institution that continues to strive for excellence and improve in all aspects of its mission,” said Shipley.  “I look forward to joining the leadership team assisting President Shalala, Provost LeBlanc, and Senior Vice President Natoli as they guide the University’s strategic plan and dedication to quality.”

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Enrique A. Mesri

Enrique A. Mesri, associate professor of microbiology and immunology at the Miller School of Medicine and a member of the Viral Oncology Research Program at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, has been appointed to Argentina’s Committee of Advisors for Scientific and Technological Cooperation in Foreign Countries. The prestigious honor recognizes Mesri’s leadership among prominent Argentine scientists living in the United States and his success at forging collaboration among the group’s members, organizations in Argentina and around the world, and the Miller School and Sylvester.

The two-year renewable ad honorem appointment by the Argentina Ministry of Science, Technology and Productive Innovation (MINCyT) is bestowed upon Argentine scientists living abroad who have been recognized for their contributions to the international research community. Mesri will function as a scientific ambassador of Argentina to the United States and will work closely with the Consulate General of Argentina in Miami.

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